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My essentials STEPHEN MAGRI 66, author, artist and company director I developed an interest in art at an early age. I studied at the Malta School of Art under Joseph Mallia in the 1980s and later pursued sculpture under Joseph Casha and History of Art with Emmanuel Fiorentino. More recently, I have attended courses in portraiture and landscape painting. After a career in business, I have also turned to writing historical fiction. 1. Online story 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place MY choice of music often depends on my mood and I enjoy listening to different genres. However, I invaria- bly return to the rock mu- sic of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and the Eagles, among many others. There is something about the powerful guitar work, distinctive voices and sheer energy of that era which con- tinues to appeal to me. Much of this music has accompa- nied me since my younger days. UPPER Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. Originally from Valletta, I was often taken there as a young child, and the magnificent view across the Grand Harbour has never lost its appeal. Direct- ly opposite lies Birgu, where I set my historical novel, Thumasi Zahra. Looking across the harbour, I im- agine ships sailing through the centuries, battles fought and wartime air raids. It is a place where childhood memories, history and my writing come together. DIARY: Divine Mercy in My Soul by Saint Faustina Kow- alska. I was struck by the ex- traordinary revelations this humble Polish nun record- ed: Visions of Christ, the im- age of Divine Mercy and the prayers and devotions she was entrusted to share with the world. Alongside these experiences, she describes illness, misunderstanding and spiritual struggle. What impressed me was how such remarkable revelations were accompanied by a simple, demanding message: trust in God's mercy and show mercy to others. LET It Be, directed by Mi- chael Lindsay-Hogg. I was delighted to see this long-un- available Beatles documen- tary restored in 4K. Filmed in January 1969, it offers a fascinating glimpse of the group rehearsing and record- ing, capturing their humour, disagreements and musical creativity. My favourite scene is undoubtedly the icon- ic rooftop concert at Apple Corps, their final public per- formance. Watching John, Paul, George and Ringo per- forming together above the London streets is a wonderful reminder of what made The Beatles so extraordinary. I regularly visit Maltese and international news websites to keep abreast of current affairs. I also enjoy listening to talks by John Lennox, the mathematician and Chris- tian thinker, particularly his discussions on science, faith and the existence of God. At the end of the day, however, I prefer something lighter. I enjoy a good comedy series and I am presently watching Seinfeld. Its clever dialogue, eccentric characters and hu- mour drawn from ordinary situations never fail to enter- tain me. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 NOVEMBER 2026 ALMANAC 3 2 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta